Professor Eleanor Grace Whitfield is a highly respected English ophthalmologist, academic, and author whose career blends advanced clinical expertise with a deep commitment to global eye health. Known for her leadership in corneal disease management, refractive surgery safety, and public health strategies to reduce preventable blindness, she has built an international reputation for both her research and her patient-focused approach. Through her work in hospitals, universities, and outreach programmes, Professor Whitfield continues to shape the future of vision care while inspiring the next generation of eye health professionals.

Education

• MBBS, King’s College London School of Medicine (2004)
• Fellowship in Ophthalmology (FRCOphth), Royal College of Ophthalmologists (2009)
• MSc Public Health for Eye Care, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (2013)

Academic & Professional Career

• Professor of Ophthalmology, University of Birmingham (since 2020)
• Former Senior Lecturer, London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (2014–2020)
• Consultant Ophthalmologist, St. George’s University Hospital, London (since 2015)
• Lead clinician for corneal services, including keratoconus management and corneal transplantation
• Visiting professor for international eye health programmes in Kenya and India

Research Interests

• Early detection of corneal ectasia in young adults
• Safer techniques in refractive surgery
• Teleophthalmology for rural and low-resource areas
• Public health strategies to reduce global blindness

Publications

• Author of Clearer Horizons: A Patient’s Guide to Eye Health and Vision Correction (2021)
• Over 50 peer-reviewed papers in journals such as British Journal of Ophthalmology and Eye
• Regular contributor to international ophthalmology conferences and WHO eye health policy reports

Awards & Recognition

• Royal College of Ophthalmologists Service Excellence Award (2019)
• NHS Innovation Fellowship (2022) for development of a nationwide teleophthalmology service
• Appointed Fellow of the European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons (ESCRS) for contributions to clinical practice

Professional Memberships

• Royal College of Ophthalmologists (Fellow)
• UK Society for Refractive Surgery
• European Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgeons

Outreach & Media

• Runs the blog “Eyes on the Future” covering patient education, vision science updates, and health policy
• Guest speaker on BBC Radio health segments and NHS public health campaigns